OUR COMPANY
WHO IS 89 NORTH?
We’re bringing optical engineering know-how from the world’s greatest science labs, and putting it to use in pioneering ways across a wide range of industries.
Science
Fluorescence has facilitated the advance of human-kind’s understanding of the cellular world, developing a host of new tools and techniques which allow us to understand our world at a microscopic level, both at its surface and deep within it.
We, in combination with our parent company Chroma and the multiple European specialist firms we represent, have pioneered many of these tools, which is why we’ve become pre-eminent suppliers and active consultants to the world’s leading research institutions.Â
Innovation
We’re now bringing these same transformational tools, techniques, and know-how to a diverse new set of industrial applications, from medical devices to semiconductors to the automotive industry.
We are applying optical engineering technologies, proven in elite research settings worldwide, to traditional industries. Â We are transforming the ability of companies to measure, analyze and refine their products with light.
Future
We’re building unique and innovative OEM manufacturing solutions today that will transform a host of industries tomorrow…. and we’re just getting started.
We believe we can help you too. Let’s talk.
THE POWER OF PEOPLE
Pioneering engineering can’t happen without talented people. And talented people work best when they’re supported by a culture that actively nurtures them. That’s why we work so hard on this aspect of our company. We’re honored that our efforts have been validated by earning B Corporation status, and by winning multiple “Best Places to Work” awards. Won’t you consider working with us?
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Meet Some of our Leaders
We have a unique culture at 89 North that deeply values employee inputs and initiatives. That takes a special kind of leadership team, one that’s well versed in not only optical system engineering and applications, but in promoting employee-engaged growth. Collaboration across our organization is key to our success.
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MARA NEUFELD RIVERA (MS, SHRM-SCP)
VP, HEAD OF PEOPLE & CULTURE
Mara doesn't just run our HR, she's the queen bee behind our culture. How talented is she? Well, she's just been voted Vermont's HR Professional of the Year. Outside of work, Mara enjoys family, fencing, traditional bow archery, yoga, and is an active reader of science and history.
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PATTY SHIRK
Program Manager
Patty has recently joined us, bringing 25 years of industry experience in engineering, operations, project management and leadership in the semiconductor industry. She's also a great community booster, serving on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross (Northern New England Region), speaking regularly at Society of Women Engineers regional and national conferences, and providing mentoring support for a host of STEM professionals.
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Newell Lessell
Chief Executive Officer, Chroma
Newell has over 25 years of experience in management and management consulting in a diverse range of industries from automotive to food products. He has overall responsibility for the business and ensuring that we meet our business objectives while holding true to our social values. A former professional mechanic, Newell loves to see things running smoothly. When not working Newell enjoys hiking, biking, and struggling to master classical guitar.
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JULIE MARTIN
VICE PRESIDENT
Julie is a Mechanical Engineer by trade and has been with 89 North since our inception. She oversees all operational activities and steers our business development, product development, and program management efforts. Outside of work, Julie enjoys working out and can be found enjoying the great outdoors and Vermont's farm-to-table cuisine.
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Meet some of our engineers
Our engineering team has won industry recognition for their award-winning work. Steeped in the field of fluorescence microscopy, our engineers are increasingly deploying their skills across an ever wider field of use cases that range from high content imaging systems to industrial inspection equipment.
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Violet Nathan
Quality Systems Engineer
Violet works on various continuous improvement projects, providing quality leadership and coordination with our manufacturing and business teams. She's back in Vermont after having spent a decade in Colorado. Violet enjoys spending time with family, friends, chickens and her ducks!
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Brendan Gallivan
Systems Engineer
Brendan uses his 20 plus years of experience as he leads the technical aspects involved in the development and lifecycle stewardship of our products. He loves mountain biking, snowboarding, skiing, hiking, cooking and spending time with family.
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TIM AMBROSE
SENIOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
Tim heads up our electronics design team and is our resident expert on the physics of laser diodes as they relate to the performance and development of 89 North products. He loves hiking, mountain biking, sailboat racing, and working out.
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GLENN WILKINS
Business Systems Analyst / Facilities and EHS Coordinator
Glenn is a vital part of our product lifecycle management, quality systems, and ISO certifications processes, including product documentation and internal workflows. He also administers Windchill PLM and CAD Management and creates automated processes. Glenn is a devoted family man, loves home improvement projects, and is always looking to invent that Next Big Thing (no luck yet he says!).
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Meet some of our technicians
Our technicians ensure quality control across all of our electro-opto-mechanical products and solutions. We measure tolerances in the nanometers microns in order to ensure we meet and exceed our build quality and delivery commitments and our dedicated technicians are the bedrock of our commitment to quality.
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TOM LYMAN
Assembly Technician
Tom brings a passion to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. Which serves him well as he works in the production assembly of our optical and mechanical components for light management and light source products. He resides in Chittenden County with his wife and golden retriever. Tom’s hobbies include riding his motorcycle and setting up and reviewing photos taken with his trail camera of local wildlife.
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TONY COTE
MANUFACTURING TECHNICIAN
In addition to building product, Tony provides a vital link in the transition from design to production, informing design aspects as they relate to manufacturability and developing assembly processes. When not in the office, he can be found cooking up a mean BBQ, working in his yard, and playing music with friends.
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GERRY BISSONNETTE
MANUFACTURING & MATERIALS COORDINATOR
Gerry is the man behind our Purchasing department and manages all manufacturing inventory. In addition to his organizational and operational expertise, Gerry is an avid mountain biker and a die-hard Red Sox fan.
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Eric Blunt
Assembly Technician
Eric brings six years of experience in production and quality control to our OEM manufacturing projects. He's tech savvy, and enjoys live music of all kinds.
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Meet some of our sales team
Our sales team works with a diverse customer base that includes the world’s most advanced university scientists, medical equipment manufacturers, and even automakers. They have the skills to understand our clients' most complex needs and provide solutions that best fit the situation.
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ANDREA MESSER
OFFICE MANAGER & INSIDE SALES
Andrea is the backbone of 89 North and has a hand in all areas of the operational side of the business: shipping, receiving, office management, customer service and product support. Chances are, if you call 89 North, Andrea's voice may be the voice greeting you. Outside of the office, Andrea is a Renaissance woman, referring to herself as a "little bit country, a little bit rock and roll."
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CHRIS ANDERSON
TERRITORY MANAGER
Chris, an Electrical Engineer, manages sales with distributors, direct sales within the eastern US, and expertly troubleshoots technical assistance with difficult applications. A father of two, Chris enjoys science fiction and has strong opinions about why chunky peanut butter is better than creamy.
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SEAN LIN
Director of Sales
Sean is a dedicated professional with over 15+ years experience in the biomedical and industrial microscopy industry. With Sean's expertise and his determination to find the right path, we can build it, fix it and / or improvise it -- Sean wants to work with you to find the best solution for your particular needs.
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Melissa Glidewell
Territory Manager
Melissa is working with our clients, leveraging her many years experience in microscopy learned while at Applied Scientific Instrumentation. She's now helping a wide range of our end users, including OEMs, distributors, and resellers to reach their potential using our varied products and services.
Melissa's passions include spending time with family, biking, gardening, reading sci-fi, and watching rocket launches. She's always on the lookout for the perfect LEDs for camping.
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OUR VISION, MISSION & VALUES
Our vision
Enable and promote innovation to create a healthier, more capable world.
OUR Mission
The objective is to be a world class supplier of high performing, high quality products. We strive to enrich the inquisitive nature of all who work with and for 89 North to contribute to the arc of technology.Â
OUR VALUES
Commitment to excellenceÂ
Trust and respect in all relationships
Care for our communities
Social partnership
We partner with organizations who align with our commitment to social responsibility.
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
Efficiency Vermont
Vermont Environmental Consortium
ASK AN ENGINEER
Our experts can help you build a custom solution.    Â
LET'S GET STARTED
We can walk you through our process and provide an estimate.
News & Events
89 North’s Patty Shirk Led VEOC Workshop on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)
Our very own Patty Shirk, Project/Program Manager, participated in [...]
89 North Participates in the Quantitative Imaging: From Acquisition to Analysis (QI) Course at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (NY)
We just finished the Quantitative Imaging: From Acquisition to [...]
89 North Celebrated at “Best Places to Work in Vermont” Ceremony
An enthusiastic set of employees from 89 North and its sister company [...]